Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-03-12
A PROPHETIC POET.
A BARD who Sang Ninety Years Ago OF
Washington CITY.

curious old book in the library OF Mr.. Fred.
erfck B. Mcguire entitled, siNount vernon, Q
poem" perhaps contains the first attempt ever
made to celebrate the praises Of this city in meter
1t was published In the year 100 in Philadelp Il
for the author, who, in the title page, makes the
following comment:
s'This rural romantic and descriptive poem OF
the seat OF so great character. it is hoped may
please, with copper plate likeness OF the Gen
eral. 1t was taken from an actual view on the
spot by the author May 18th, 1873. Also a cur.
sorry view OF Georgetown, City OF washington
and the Capitol"
The copperplate is unfortunately missing but
If 1t was similar in point OF merit TO the writing
cannot have been an artistic success. The author,
John Searson, gives some photographed srg.
gestions in the following "address to the encour.
poem. The author and editor OF the preceding
poems and pieces would, in a little time accept Of
a genteel tuition in gentleman's family or pub.
lie school, even In country town, provided that
not more than thirty scholars are admitted He
teaches the beauties OF the English language,
with the latest accent and pronunciation; Writing
a free easy hand suited TO the counting house;
arithmetic in the easiest and shortest methods
yet discovered; bookkeeping both by double
and single entry, applicable to the wholesale and
retail merchant; trigOn0metry in a new and easy
method, founded on the 4th proposition OF the 9Th
book of Euclid: mensuration OF superhcies and
solids; navigation as lattery improved, {the prac.
tice learned in the English navy; general know.
ledge OF geography and celestial and terrestrial
globes. The author has many years resided in
academies or schools both In America and Europe
been tutor in one Of the first families in New York
bOOk-keeper In some OF the most respectable count.
ing houses in Philadelphia and New York. and
several years wholesale merchant in Philadel.
phfa. Should my friends and encouragers know
Of u suitable place for genteel encouragement to
suit my qualifications, can produce unexception.
able certificates, both from Europe and America
and shall retain the most lasting and sincere graft
tude. The printer can give my address,
The phfaseoogy OF the writer IS preserved In the
above and 1t gives pretty good idea of the style
in which the poem ts written. Very frequently the
demands Of the meter causes the author to sacfi.
together the work Is an amusing example OF a met
rical production by an unpoetical person. The
author also visited Alexandria, this city and
Georgetown, and composed short poem on eaet
place. he is constrained to say the following O
this city:
City Washington must in time command
Az that is magnificent, great and grand
IT'S now indeed but in its infant state,
But will hereafter shine both grand and great
When am sleeping in the solid grave,
Great will this city be mems lives to save,
Methinks view ten thousand people there.
Some III the streets and Others IN some square"
OF Alexandria he has evidently higher opinion
on account OF the street improvements. IL,
observes that
plete."
He observes OF Georgetown that
.rhe building in George Town is very neat
But paving OF the streets not yet complete.
Some rural seats near to the town is fine,
Which please the fancy and amuse the mind.
The college here, magnificent aud grand
Conspicuous TO traveller does stand"